Kyoto Medical and Welfare Guide | Kyoto's Medical System for Secure Living

A medical and welfare environment is just as important as choosing where to live for secure living. As a city with a population of approximately 1.44 million, Kyoto has solid basic medical infrastructure. The climate is distinctive to a basin region—hot and humid in summer, and bitterly cold in winter. Including tips for health management suited to the climate, especially during the beautiful cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, we comprehensively present Kyoto's medical and welfare services. Before relocating, it's important to secure a primary care physician and confirm continuity of treatment for any existing conditions. "A healthy and secure life" is the foundation of daily living, and Kyoto is a city with that foundation in place. In particular, for those with chronic diseases such as hypertension or diabetes, obtain a referral letter from your primary physician before moving and prepare to smoothly transition your care to Kyoto medical institutions.

General Hospitals and Specialized Medical Care

The city has 5 to 15 general hospitals distributed primarily around Gion and Pontocho. Secondary emergency care is handled within the city, and tertiary emergency care is received at Kyoto Prefecture's core hospitals. With clusters of university hospitals and specialized hospitals, access to advanced medical care ranks among the top nationwide. Second opinions are readily available, and opportunities to participate in clinical trials are abundant. Many facilities offering cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials for new drugs is a strength unique to major metropolitan areas. More medical institutions are offering foreign language support, establishing an international medical environment. The deployment rate of MRI and CT machines exceeds the national average, with a tendency for shorter waiting times compared to other urban areas. Health check-ups are priced at 30,000 to 50,000 yen per day and are easy to schedule.

Primary Care Physicians and Emergency Medical Care

It's important to find a trustworthy primary care physician early on. Clinics for internal medicine, dentistry, ophthalmology, and other specialties are numerous around Gion and walk-in visits are possible without an appointment. With many clinics to choose from, options are abundant. Find a doctor who is a good fit based on word-of-mouth and neighborhood recommendations. Appointment-based clinics are convenient with shorter waiting times. Specialized clinics for various disciplines are well-equipped, and dermatology, otolaryngology, and orthopedic surgery can also be found within walking distance. An increasing number of people are receiving prescriptions through online consultations and having their medications delivered from pharmacies. Night emergency medical centers operate from 7 PM to 7 AM the next day, offering internal medicine and pediatric care. Emergency consultations are available 24 hours by calling #7119, and #8000 is dedicated to pediatric cases. AEDs are installed in public facilities, convenience stores, and schools.

Long-term Care, Welfare, and Health Promotion

The aging rate is approximately 25-30%, with 10 to 30 nursing facilities and 50 to 100 or more day service centers. There are many options for long-term care facilities with a wide variety of price ranges. Senior housing (Service-Provision Residential Facilities for the Elderly) is increasing, allowing people to secure comfortable housing while still active. Care-providing senior residences average 150,000 to 300,000 yen per month, and group homes average 120,000 to 180,000 yen per month. Municipal efforts toward zero caregiving-related resignations are also progressing. Community comprehensive support centers offer free consultations on long-term care and referrals to care managers. Specific health check-ups cost 500 to 1,000 yen out-of-pocket, and cancer screenings are also around 2,000 yen with city subsidies.

Preventive Medicine and Healthy Living

There is an environment for regular physical activity, such as walking courses around Kinkaku-ji. In the city's health point system, points accumulate through exercise and health check-ups and can be exchanged for local shopping vouchers. Public facilities for health promotion are well-equipped. Municipal pools cost 500 yen per visit, and gym memberships are 5,000 to 8,000 yen per month, making it easy to maintain exercise habits. Walking through historic streets naturally increases step count—an ideal exercise environment. Use of smoking cessation clinics and lifestyle disease clinics is increasing, and awareness of preventive medicine is growing. Health span extension is a priority policy for the municipality, with preventive medical investment increasing year by year. Dietary therapy using yudofu and Kyoto pickles, as well as medicinal cuisine cooking classes (2,000 to 3,000 yen per session), are also popular, and initiatives linking food and health are expanding.

Health Promotion and Effective Use of Preventive Medicine

Actively utilize preventive medicine to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In the city's health point system, points accumulate through exercise and health check-ups and can be exchanged for local shopping vouchers. Public facilities for health promotion are well-equipped. Walking through historic streets naturally increases step count—an ideal exercise environment. Use of smoking cessation clinics and lifestyle disease clinics is increasing. Medicinal cuisine cooking classes (2,000 to 3,000 yen per session) that link food and health are also popular.